Joncol primed for Durkan Chase double

WITH conditions in his favour, Joncol will be expected to become the first horse since Native Upmanship to win a second John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown tomorrow.

The massively-built eight-year-old, winner of both the Durkan and Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Leopardstown in the 2009-2010 season, is considered to be better than ever by trainer Paul Nolan and primed to earn a third Grade 1 success.

Without a win last season, Joncol made a successful return to action at Thurles early last month, when proving 12 lengths superior to Cooldine, which reopposes tomorrow.